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WHAT IS FIBRODYSPLASIA OSSIFICANS PROGRESSIVA?

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) causes bony bars to form within muscles.

It affects just one-in-a-million people worldwide and is caused by a genetic mutation. 

Symptoms usually appear early in childhood, with hard lumps forming in the neck or along the spine.

These bulges, which can be tender, gradually shrink as the affected muscles are replaced by bone.

The lumps usually appear on their own but can be brought on by injuries to the muscles.

FOP gets worse with age, with some sufferers being inactive for years.

Certain muscles are never affected, such as those in the eyes, face, intestines, bladder, bowel, heart and diaphragm. 

However, the chest can expand, which can lead to respiratory infections. 

FOP can also cause finger and toe abnormalities, which are present at birth.

Many treatments have been tried, however, none have been effective.

Nonetheless, patients have been known to live to over 60.

Source: Muscular Dystrophy UK 

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